NEOGEO POCKET COLOR SELECTION Vol. 1

🔥 What is NEOGEO POCKET COLOR SELECTION Vol. 1 for PC

NEOGEO POCKET COLOR SELECTION Vol. 1 is a nostalgic compilation developed and published by SNK that brings together a collection of classic handheld titles originally released for the Neo Geo Pocket Color system. It serves as both a preservation effort and a celebration of a specific era of handheld gaming, where SNK’s arcade quality experiences were reimagined in pocket-sized form. The collection includes ten titles that span fighting games, sports, and action genres, all reintroduced with modern emulation features, save states, and a clean interface designed to evoke the look and feel of the original hardware while remaining accessible to modern players.

This package doesn’t just aim to present old games it tries to capture a whole cultural moment from the late 1990s when handhelds had their own unique personality, separate from consoles. SNK brings back titles like SNK Gals’ Fighters, Metal Slug 1st Mission, Metal Slug 2nd Mission, The King of Fighters R-2, Samurai Shodown! 2, and others, allowing long-time fans to relive their childhood memories while giving new players a chance to experience the roots of some of SNK’s most beloved series. Each game has been carefully emulated with optional display filters and interface elements that mimic the original handheld’s charm.

👉 Features of NEOGEO POCKET COLOR SELECTION Vol. 1

A nostalgic collection of ten handheld classics

This collection includes ten Neo Geo Pocket Color titles that showcase SNK’s diversity as a developer. You’ll find fighting games like The Last Blade: Beyond the Destiny and Fatal Fury: First Contact, action-adventure games like Metal Slug 1st Mission and 2nd Mission, and even unique crossovers like SNK vs. Capcom: The Match of the Millennium. Each game represents a distinct slice of the Neo Geo Pocket’s library, faithfully recreated for PC.

Authentic presentation with optional enhancements

SNK has taken special care to emulate the look and feel of the original handheld. Players can choose to display the games in their original resolution, complete with the handheld’s plastic bezel surrounding the screen, or zoom in for a clearer view. There are also visual filters that replicate the slightly blurred LCD look of the original hardware, giving players the choice between crisp modern clarity and nostalgic authenticity.

Modern quality of life features

While these games remain faithful to their original versions, SNK has added features that make them more playable for today’s audience. Save states allow you to stop and resume anytime, and quick load options let you retry challenging segments without frustration. These changes make the collection more accessible without compromising its retro soul.

Museum mode and extras

The compilation includes a museum section filled with scans of original manuals, box art, and character profiles. This archival approach adds real historical value, giving players insight into how SNK designed and marketed these games back in the day. It’s a surprisingly touching addition for anyone interested in video game preservation.

Gameplay

Compact fighting systems that retain arcade spirit

The fighting games in NEOGEO POCKET COLOR SELECTION Vol. 1 may look simple at first glance, but they retain the spirit of their arcade origins. Each title features surprisingly deep mechanics within the constraints of two-button gameplay, with combo systems, super moves, and tactical dodges intact. SNK Gals Fighters, for example, distills the chaos of King of Fighters into a smaller, faster-paced format, while Samurai Shodown! 2 maintains its deliberate, weapon-based dueling style. Even with fewer buttons, these games feel responsive and skill-based.

Action and adventure elements

Outside of fighting games, the two Metal Slug missions offer miniature versions of the classic run-and-gun series. They retain the intense pacing and cartoonish chaos, though with smaller sprites and tighter level design to fit the handheld format. Each mission rewards careful exploration, with hidden prisoners to rescue and secret routes to uncover. It’s impressive how much of the original Metal Slug spirit SNK managed to fit into such compact cartridges.

A touch of crossover charm

The crown jewel of the collection is SNK vs. Capcom: The Match of the Millennium, a crossover that still feels magical today. The game includes characters from both universes, a variety of fighting modes, and mini-games inspired by classics like Ghosts ’n Goblins. Its accessible combat system and stylish pixel art make it a highlight not just of the collection, but of handheld gaming history as a whole.

Graphics

Retro pixel art with modern polish

The visual presentation across the collection retains the bright, colorful pixel art that defined the Neo Geo Pocket Color. Each game has been faithfully recreated with crisp sprites and vibrant color palettes that evoke the cheerful aesthetic of the late 1990s. SNK’s artists managed to create highly expressive character animations despite the technical limitations of the original hardware, and these details still shine today when viewed on PC displays.

Authentic interface and nostalgic touches

The emulation layer includes an on-screen representation of the original handheld unit, complete with buttons and speaker grilles. It’s a subtle but powerful design choice that enhances the nostalgic atmosphere. Players can even change the model color of the handheld, adding a personal touch to the experience. Combined with adjustable zoom and border settings, the visuals strike a perfect balance between preservation and usability.

Smooth performance and presentation consistency

Every title in the collection runs smoothly, without input lag or performance dips. The transition between games is seamless, and the menus are intuitive, allowing players to quickly jump into their favorites. The inclusion of optional visual filters and scaling options makes it easy to tailor the display to personal taste whether you prefer pixel-perfect precision or a softened, retro feel.

Pros and Cons

✔️ Pros

• Excellent emulation quality that faithfully recreates the original Neo Geo Pocket experience.
• Wide variety of genres including fighting, action, and sports titles, all in one package.
• Save states and modern options that make the games easier and more enjoyable to revisit.
• Museum content and extras that add cultural and historical depth for retro enthusiasts.
• Charming visual presentation with optional handheld frame and customizable display filters.

❌ Cons

• Limited appeal to newcomers, especially those unfamiliar with SNK’s retro handheld catalog.
• Some controls feel dated, particularly for action games with limited buttons.
• No multiplayer support on PC, which limits the social fun these games originally had.